Upon arriving at an emergency department with a patient, what is your next step if another emergency call comes in?

When arriving at the emergency department with a patient and another emergency call comes in, the best step is to respond only after giving a verbal patient report to a nurse or physician. This action ensures that the incoming healthcare team is fully aware of the patient's condition, treatment provided during transport, and any critical details that may impact ongoing care.

Providing a verbal report is a crucial part of patient handover that promotes continuity of care, reduces the risk of errors, and allows the medical staff to prioritize the patient appropriately. Doing so makes sure that the patient is in safe hands before you leave to respond to the next emergency, maintaining professional standards and patient safety.

Other options may not ensure adequate patient handover. For instance, placing a patient in a high-visibility area without passing on essential information may compromise their care and could lead to delays in necessary treatment. Informing the admissions clerk may not be sufficient for urgent situations requiring comprehensive medical details. Leaving a copy of the run form with a nurse could result in an incomplete transfer of information, which is vital in emergency scenarios. Therefore, ensuring that a detailed verbal report is given before responding to another call is the most responsible and effective course of action.